I've been using my X2 an awful lot because of the stunning quality photos it makes, along with its very compact size and excellent controls, so Ricoh producing a competitor of Comparable quality can only be a good thing.

the X2 is great but does not slip into a jean or shirt pocket. It is coat pocketable at best. The GR1 and GRD have always had the same thin footprint. Great quality in that footprint is very likely the single main cause for its ongoing success. Maintaining that footprint would have been possible with a 1" sensor, not with APS. Might still be a fantastic product, but it would not be a GRD.

Fits in my jeans and cargo pants pocket, or in the pocket of my vest. Not that I ever keep a camera in my pocket.

I never said it would be a GRD. But if they go to a larger sensor, the lens will have to be bigger to provide adequate coverage. For me, this would be a good thing. I've never wanted a GRD because of the tiny sensor. The GXR with A12 28mm is a better camera for my uses than a GRD.

The GRD is well known for the lemon-squeezer effect - getting every last bit of precious juice out of that little sensor. It is a minor miracle how well it does. The "tiny sensor" is always an easy shot for those that shun the GRD for whatever real reason. Besides not everyone lives in a climate where voluminious clothing with big pockets is the sartorial attire of choice. In some places it is either on your belt on in a hand bag.

I agree that a porky GRD with "anysize sensor" would no longer be a GRD but some other class of camera.

If such a thing were the only choice I might just buy a handful of GRDIV and mothball then for posterity.